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"Why did he just not give his darn name."

I agree. The argument that, because this guy had to give his name, our rights are being eroded is silly.

If you get stopped by a cop while driving your car, you are not only required to give him your name, but your driver's license. This is nothing new - old Larry was just being a nutcase.

"If you get stopped by a cop while driving your car, you are not only required to give him your name, but your driver's license. This is nothing new - old Larry was just being a nutcase."

Please review the facts of the case. For one thing, he didn't get 'stopped', the vehicle was parked on the side of the road when the officer arrived. For another, he hadn't been driving it - his daughter had. She was still sitting in the driver seat when the officer arrived. Thirdly, he wasn't even in the vehicle when the officer arrived - he was standing on soil, completely outside the vehicle.

The ruling allowed that a police officer may stop you while you're walking down to your friend's house and require that you either give your name or go to jail. Step two is going to be requiring that you show proof of identity on the spot or go to jail. 'Larry' was not being a nutcase - he was practicing his right to remain silent. Recall from the standard Miranda warning - "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say, can, and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you."